Developer Kenneth Lobell took over the property last month. He plans to turn the center into a First NBC Bank branch and 6,500 square feet of retail space.

Councilmember Jarred Brossett said city officials will work closely with the developer to ensure that the new plans best serve the people of the area.

“Reducing blight is not only meant for residential areas but also for commercial areas,” Brossett said. “This is 10 years too long. And I am just so ecstatic that we get to bring more retail options to the Gentilly neighborhood as well as to the district.”

Under his agreement with the city, Lobell must start construction within the next six months. Once building begins, city officials believe that it will take about a year for the project to be complete.